Massachusetts

COVID-19 Information and Resources for Special Educators

Summary: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education developed a web page which hosts information regarding special education in the COVID-19 environment. The web page includes guidance regarding instruction and services for students with disabilities in the COVID-19 environment, family resources and information, fiscal considerations, timelines, procedural safeguards and recordings of the Special Education Directors’ meetings.

Operated by: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Topic: Distance Learning, Family Engagement

Family Resource Toolbox for Families with Children with Disabilities

Summary: This document is a toolbox for families to use. It includes resources that explain what will occur regarding distanced learning, as well as resources that help families with the transition process. It provides resources to families to assist their student with disabilities in distance learning, and provides online learning plans, schedules and virtual educational resources.

Operated by: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Topic: Family Engagement

Letter for Families of Students with Disabilities

Summary: Massachusetts published a letter to families explaining the process of distanced learning going forward. The letter emphasizes adjustments to IEPs to best accommodate students with disabilities during distance learning. It also requires schools to provide assistive technology for students. Finally, it communicates future policies with parents. 

Operated by: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Topic: Family Engagement, IEP

Mental and Behavioral Health

Summary: This resource web page provides information and resources for Massachusetts educators and parents caring for their child’s mental and behavioral health needs. It highlights documents regarding different mental health needs, considerations, and resources to promote mental well-being among students at various stages of re-opening and in different learning formats. Additionally, these resources highlight virtual counseling services, available to all Massachusetts students. 

Operated by: Massachusetts Department of Education

Topic: Mental Health, Telehealth

Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance

Summary: Appendix C of this document highlights various practices and requirements for Massachusetts schools providing specialized education services for students with disabilities. Framed around the legal requirement of providing a least restrictive environment to students with disabilities, the document emphasizes methods for adjusting the delivery of IEP services to maintain the safety of students, adjusting secondary transition services to a virtual format, holding virtual IEP meetings and evaluations, and consistently communicating education adjustments with families. 

Operated by: Massachusetts Department of Education

Topic: IEP, Transition, Family Engagement

DMH Child, Youth, and Family Services

Summary: This web page specifically provides mental health resources related to COVID-19 for children and families attempting to discuss mental health concerns with their children. It highlights emergency resources for youth experiencing a mental health crisis. It divides additional resources among infant and early childhood (0-5 years), youth (5-15 years) and transition age youth (16-22). 

Operated by: Massachusetts Department of Mental Health

Topic: Mental Health 

Comprehensive Special Education Guidance for the 2020-21 School Year

Summary: This document discusses considerations for virtual IEP meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as potential COVID-related IEP adjustments. It instructs service providers on whether to recommend in-person, hybrid, or distance learning for students with disabilities, providing resources to improve distance learning outcomes. It also emphasizes requirements for communicating with parents, and partnerships with postsecondary institutions to provide transition services for students with disabilities. Finally, the document highlights considerations for service providers providing mental health assistance for students with disabilities. 

Operated by: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Topic: IEP, Distance Learning, Family Engagement, Mental Health, Transition

Guidance about Summer 2020 Special Education Services

Summary: This document discusses considerations for providing extended school year services for students with disabilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically highlights necessary IEP meetings and adjustments that must occur for such services to be provided. 

Operated by: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Topic: IEP